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Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
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Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining tender orzo pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for quick meals, picnics, or healthy lunches, this salad blends Mediterranean flavors that offer a bright, light, yet satisfying taste. It’s versatile, nutritious, and ideal for any season, delivering a perfect balance of texture and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups orzo pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Orzo: Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: While the orzo cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the parsley and mint to release their fresh aromas that brighten the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing enhances every ingredient without overpowering the dish.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled orzo with the chopped vegetables, olives, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs. Drizzle the dressing over everything and gently mix until all pieces are coated evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Notes

  • Use cold water to rinse orzo immediately after cooking to stop the cooking and prevent mushy pasta.
  • Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors to marry and enhances the overall taste.
  • Adjust the acidity by adding more lemon juice or a splash of red wine vinegar as needed to brighten the flavors.
  • Use fresh herbs like parsley and mint rather than dried for maximum aroma and freshness.
  • Reserve some crumbled feta for garnish just before serving to add a fresh and attractive finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad, pasta salad, orzo salad, healthy lunch, Mediterranean diet, quick pasta salad, vegetarian, gluten free option

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/mediterranean-orzo-pasta-salad/